Renpower Rwanda

28 February 2019

Kigali, Rwanda

Key stakeholders in the sector, including representatives from the Government, International Finance Institutions (IFIs), policy makers, international and local developers, EPC contractors, independent power producers, engineering, legal and advisory services, manufacturers, banking and private equity entities.

Background – With the Rwandan government having set the goal of 100% electricity access by 2024, the government is seeking to boost the country’s green economic development by opening the doors to investors in various renewable energy projects in the country. In this context, Rwanda will have to increase electricity production, both on and off grid, from the current energy generation of 210.9 MW to an installed electricity generation capacity of 563 MW, as established by the government.

Most of the electricity access to the country is estimated to come from off-grid technologies utilizing the Rwanda’s sources such as hydro, solar, and methane gas - requiring a massive investment in the energy sector. As a result, the facilitation involvement of the private sector in renewable off-grid electrification is a priority for the Rwandan government, with the country considered one of the best markets to do business in among Sub-Saharan African countries with appetite for domestic and foreign investment to serve its fast-growing economy.

Additionally, the growth of electricity generation also requires a major infrastructure development with the main electricity grid and new technologies to aid in the use of electricity efficiently. The national policy’s approach on access to electricity is that 52% of national population will be connected through grid extension while 48% will be connected through Off-grid by 2024. Currently off-grid connection is at 12%.

The availability of renewable energy potential combined with the government priorities to promote universal electrification, places Rwanda as a significant investment hub in the renewable energy and power infrastructure sector in the East Africa region.